Abstract

Background :The question of whether or not to involve Traditional Birth Attendants (TBAs) in maternal mortality reduction has been a reemerging theme during this time frame. Very little conclusive evidence has been found that supports the training of TBAs as a key strategy in MMR reduction. Study Objective :The objective of this study was to understand what roles TBAs play at the community level and why. Study Methods : The methods used were focus group discussions, key informant interviews, and in-depth interviews. Findings : Overall, the study showed that TBAs, both trained and untrained, played a significant role in women’s reproductive health care, particularly in pregnancy and delivery. However, women acknowledged that they would go to the health center if not for barriers of transport, lack of finances, and lack of politeness of the staff. In addition, the community, including TBAs, is not yet properly sensitized on the new role of TBAs. On the other hand, policy makers and DHOs have yet to properly define their role and take adequate steps towards the implementation of this new role at both the community and district level. Conclusion : The study therefore concludes that, in the interim, it is necessary to engage TBAs to work hand in hand with health centers and refer as appropriate based on the facility’s capability to deal with additional cases.

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School	: College of Medicine
Issued Date	: 2007

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